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Heidelberg

    WIESLOCH, Germany , July 21, 2021 (Press Release) -
  • Strong growth forecast for Malaysia’s packaging market
  • Coronavirus pandemic boosts folding carton production

Malaysia’s packaging market has been growing strongly in recent years. An annual growth rate of 3.8 percent has been predicted for the period 2019 to 2024, and the folding carton segment is set to be the number one growth driver (source: Global Data).

The coronavirus pandemic has given a further boost to this development. Solid board packaging for medical products, masks, and gloves is in particular demand. This growth has led packaging printers in Malaysia to invest in cutting-edge production technology. To a large extent, these companies are placing their trust in state-of-the-art sheetfed offset technology from Heidelberg – especially presses manufactured at the Heidelberg site in Shanghai.

Complete system for Percetakan Konta

Percetakan Konta is based in Perai, in the northern state of Penang, and has been a loyal Heidelberg customer for many years, having been won over by its reliable technology and exemplary services.

Around six years ago, Percetakan Konta replaced an older Speedmaster CD 102 with a new four-color Speedmaster press with coating unit from the Heidelberg plant at the Wiesloch-Walldorf site in Germany. In 2017, this press was joined by a Speedmaster CD 102-5+L manufactured in China. The next investment came just one year later in the form of a Speedmaster CD 102-4+L, also manufactured at the Chinese plant in Shanghai.

In parallel to this third sheetfed offset press, Percetakan Konta also ordered a Diana Eye 55 offline inspection system. This system inspects the quality of finished folding carton blanks at a speed of 300 meters per minute. In addition to identifying printed image and typeface errors, high-resolution camera technology analyzes the gloss levels of coated packaging, blind and foil embossing, and holograms. An OCR (optical character recognition) function also detects incorrect characters, punctuation marks, accents, and decimals. In 2020, the Diana Eye 55 from Masterwork was joined by a second, identical inspection system and a Suprasetter 106 CtP platesetter with Prinect Production Manager packaging workflow.

Vivar Printing invests in packaging printing

Vivar Printing Sdn Bhd (Vivar) was founded in 1985. For the first one-and-a-half decades of its existence, the company’s main specialty was book production. In 2010, Vivar recognized the opportunities offered by the rapidly growing packaging market. It initially invested in the flexible packaging segment and then moved into folding carton production, which involved creating an official packaging division and investing in a Speedmaster CX 75-5+L from Heidelberg. This five-color sheetfed offset press with coating unit provided Vivar with a robustly built printing system based on a design principle that was equally suited to commercial products and high-quality packaging. “Key features of the Speedmaster CX 75-5+L include quick and easy job changes, outstanding print results, and high net outputs,” says Kok Wai, Managing Director of Vivar, who describes this press as exactly right for the needs of his company. Barely a month after the Speedmaster CX 75 started operating, Vivar made its next big investment and ordered a Speedmaster CD 102-5+L from Heidelberg. The contract for the five-color press in the 70 x 100 sheet format with coating unit, which was manufactured in Shanghai, was signed in November 2020 and it started operating in March 2021.

Book production has remained a key cornerstone at Vivar, but Kok Wai insists moving into the rapidly growing folding carton market was the right decision. Although his company’s sales fell significantly last year due to COVID-19, he is optimistic about 2021. “As we see it, packaging production offers a great deal of growth potential that will shape our company’s development in years to come,” he says.

Seven Speedmaster presses at Tiong Tat Printing Industry

The pressroom of Tiong Tat Printing Industry (Tiong Tat) has six Speedmaster CD 102 presses and a Speedmaster XL 105. In the interests of productivity, the majority are elevated presses. The latest Speedmaster CD 102-5+L – the company’s third Speedmaster press to have been manufactured at the Shanghai plant – entered into operation in July 2020. Prinect Production controls the workflow based on volumes and Tiong Tat uses a Suprasetter 106 for CtP operations. Two Easymatrix 106 CS (cutting and stripping) die cutters from Masterwork Machinery have been operating in the postpress section since 2018. “We very much appreciate the equipment’s reliability and the teamwork with Heidelberg, so we opt for technology from this manufacturer time and again,” says Managing Director Tan Jock Hong, who has won several awards for her leadership qualities.

Tiong Tat started out in 1993 with a single pre-owned press and a production area of around 130 square meters. Today, this has grown to a total area of close to 82,000 square meters, which makes the company one of Malaysia’s largest packaging printers. Packaging for hygiene gloves is its principal market. Tiong Tat prides itself on being a market leader and demand is growing, as confirmed by Tan Jock Hong. “In 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, we decided to expand our sheetfed offset capacities,” she reveals, referring to this step as the right decision at the right time and emphasizing that the company once again obtained excellent advice and support from Heidelberg.

Heidelberg boosts folding carton production and predicts 3.8% annual growth rate forecast for Malaysia’s packaging market

Posted in: Packaging Technology 07/21/2021 - 09:14
    WIESLOCH, Germany , July 21, 2021 (Press Release) -
  • Strong growth forecast for Malaysia’s packaging market
  • Coronavirus pandemic boosts folding carton production

Malaysia’s packaging market has been growing strongly in recent years. An annual growth rate of 3.8 percent has been predicted for the period 2019 to 2024, and the folding carton segment is set to be the number one growth driver (source: Global Data).

The coronavirus pandemic has given a further boost to this development. Solid board packaging for medical products, masks, and gloves is in particular demand. This growth has led packaging printers in Malaysia to invest in cutting-edge production technology. To a large extent, these companies are placing their trust in state-of-the-art sheetfed offset technology from Heidelberg – especially presses manufactured at the Heidelberg site in Shanghai.

Complete system for Percetakan Konta

Percetakan Konta is based in Perai, in the northern state of Penang, and has been a loyal Heidelberg customer for many years, having been won over by its reliable technology and exemplary services.

Around six years ago, Percetakan Konta replaced an older Speedmaster CD 102 with a new four-color Speedmaster press with coating unit from the Heidelberg plant at the Wiesloch-Walldorf site in Germany. In 2017, this press was joined by a Speedmaster CD 102-5+L manufactured in China. The next investment came just one year later in the form of a Speedmaster CD 102-4+L, also manufactured at the Chinese plant in Shanghai.

In parallel to this third sheetfed offset press, Percetakan Konta also ordered a Diana Eye 55 offline inspection system. This system inspects the quality of finished folding carton blanks at a speed of 300 meters per minute. In addition to identifying printed image and typeface errors, high-resolution camera technology analyzes the gloss levels of coated packaging, blind and foil embossing, and holograms. An OCR (optical character recognition) function also detects incorrect characters, punctuation marks, accents, and decimals. In 2020, the Diana Eye 55 from Masterwork was joined by a second, identical inspection system and a Suprasetter 106 CtP platesetter with Prinect Production Manager packaging workflow.

Vivar Printing invests in packaging printing

Vivar Printing Sdn Bhd (Vivar) was founded in 1985. For the first one-and-a-half decades of its existence, the company’s main specialty was book production. In 2010, Vivar recognized the opportunities offered by the rapidly growing packaging market. It initially invested in the flexible packaging segment and then moved into folding carton production, which involved creating an official packaging division and investing in a Speedmaster CX 75-5+L from Heidelberg. This five-color sheetfed offset press with coating unit provided Vivar with a robustly built printing system based on a design principle that was equally suited to commercial products and high-quality packaging. “Key features of the Speedmaster CX 75-5+L include quick and easy job changes, outstanding print results, and high net outputs,” says Kok Wai, Managing Director of Vivar, who describes this press as exactly right for the needs of his company. Barely a month after the Speedmaster CX 75 started operating, Vivar made its next big investment and ordered a Speedmaster CD 102-5+L from Heidelberg. The contract for the five-color press in the 70 x 100 sheet format with coating unit, which was manufactured in Shanghai, was signed in November 2020 and it started operating in March 2021.

Book production has remained a key cornerstone at Vivar, but Kok Wai insists moving into the rapidly growing folding carton market was the right decision. Although his company’s sales fell significantly last year due to COVID-19, he is optimistic about 2021. “As we see it, packaging production offers a great deal of growth potential that will shape our company’s development in years to come,” he says.

Seven Speedmaster presses at Tiong Tat Printing Industry

The pressroom of Tiong Tat Printing Industry (Tiong Tat) has six Speedmaster CD 102 presses and a Speedmaster XL 105. In the interests of productivity, the majority are elevated presses. The latest Speedmaster CD 102-5+L – the company’s third Speedmaster press to have been manufactured at the Shanghai plant – entered into operation in July 2020. Prinect Production controls the workflow based on volumes and Tiong Tat uses a Suprasetter 106 for CtP operations. Two Easymatrix 106 CS (cutting and stripping) die cutters from Masterwork Machinery have been operating in the postpress section since 2018. “We very much appreciate the equipment’s reliability and the teamwork with Heidelberg, so we opt for technology from this manufacturer time and again,” says Managing Director Tan Jock Hong, who has won several awards for her leadership qualities.

Tiong Tat started out in 1993 with a single pre-owned press and a production area of around 130 square meters. Today, this has grown to a total area of close to 82,000 square meters, which makes the company one of Malaysia’s largest packaging printers. Packaging for hygiene gloves is its principal market. Tiong Tat prides itself on being a market leader and demand is growing, as confirmed by Tan Jock Hong. “In 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, we decided to expand our sheetfed offset capacities,” she reveals, referring to this step as the right decision at the right time and emphasizing that the company once again obtained excellent advice and support from Heidelberg.

Read more
    WIESLOCH, Germany , June 28, 2021 (Press Release) -
  • New IML Performance Package for Speedmaster XL 106 boosts productivity by up to 15 percent
  • Speedmaster XL 106-D rotary die cutter with just one die-cutting unit makes it easier for customers to move into IML production
  • New Mastermatrix 106 CSB flat-bed die cutter now available for folding carton production

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) is expecting the global label printing market to continue growing at an annual rate of around four percent. Growth is even expected to be above average in the in-mould label segment, which has not been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These labels are typically utilized in the food and cosmetics industries, and by companies producing chemicals for household and industrial use. The benefits of the in-mould process lie in its comparatively low manufacturing costs, good temperature and moisture resistance, and resource-friendly characteristics. For example, the polypropylene used for the labels and containers is 100 percent recyclable. Cutting-edge, increasingly efficient manufacturing processes are a further growth factor on the in-mould label market. With its state-of-the-art technology, Heidelberg is playing a key role in improving the efficiency of in-mould label production and is the technology leader in this segment by some margin. The company is looking to build on this strong position and is therefore stepping up its investment in the development of new technologies for IML production.

Maximum performance with the thinnest of materials

One of the major challenges for label printers is to reliably process very thin and light films at ever higher speeds. The latest advance from Heidelberg is a new IML Performance Package for the 2020 generation Speedmaster XL 106 with fully automatic presetting of all key print job parameters. Heidelberg is unveiling the system as part of IT’S SHOWTIME! – the company’s digital customer event. Special modifications to the feeder and delivery, modified sheet transfer, and anti-static devices make it possible to reliably process delicate plastic films just 50 microns thick at speeds of up to 14,000 sheets per hour. The high-performance model for conventional offset printing is equipped with three Y units (drying units) and a delivery with only one extension module. Even with extremely thin substrates, customers benefit from reliable sheet guidance and smooth travel through the press. The dryer modules are perfectly coordinated with the sheet travel and achieve outstanding drying results at maximum speeds. Distances for paper travel in the delivery remain short and, even at high speeds, sheets are completely stable when deposited on the delivery pile. The configuration with three Y units and highly efficient round-nozzle technology increases the drying capacity by 25 percent and also saves on energy costs, because the distance between the dryer modules and the substrate can be kept to a minimum.

Prinect integrates new CutStar generation 4 into Push to Stop concept

The redesigned CutStar generation 4 is the basic prerequisite for processing thin substrates at consistently higher speeds. The sheeter is fully integrated into the Prinect workflow and the Intellistart system on the press for production based on the Push to Stop principle. The format and air values are adjusted fully automatically based on the job data. These settings can be saved and loaded with the print job for repeat orders. A further innovation is the special corona surface treatment integrated into the CutStar, which improves the wettability of plastic materials and makes them easier to print on than untreated materials. The enhanced ink adherence ensures long-lasting, consistently high quality.

Speedmaster XL 106-D with just one die-cutting unit makes it easier for customers to move into IML production

Another part of the IML Performance Package is the Speedmaster XL 106-D rotary die cutter, which now has only one die-cutting unit. Lower investment costs compared with the previous version means it is easier for print shops to move into the growing in-mould label production segment. The new die cutter requires less space and has a lower power consumption than the Speedmaster XL 106-DD. It is ideal for die-cutting large and nested label shapes.

Thanks to its rotary die-cutting principle, the Speedmaster XL 106-D operates at two or three times the speed of flat-bed die cutters. The high precision resulting from the even cylinder surface and evenly cutting die eliminates the makeready required due to differences in level when using the flat-bed process. This time-consuming step is not necessary and minimizes the setup time. The printing pressure can be adjusted in increments of just one micron on the Speedmaster XL 106-D. Corrections are possible both parallel and diagonal to the cylinder axis. This fine adjustment makes Heidelberg rotary die cutters perfect for in-mould label production on material just 50 microns thick.

The Speedmaster XL 106-D complements the existing portfolio of rotary die cutters, from the Speedmaster XL 106-DD and the option magnetic cylinder with extraction system for cutting holes.

New Mastermatrix 106 CSB high-performance die cutter for folding carton production now available

In collaboration with its partner Masterworks, Heidelberg is adding another winning solution to its postpress equipment for the equally attractive growth segment of folding carton production. The Mastermatrix 106 CSB high-performance die cutter for folding carton production was unveiled in October 2020 and series production has now started following successful field testing. A speed of 9,000 sheets per hour makes the Mastermatrix 106 the most productive die cutter in the Heidelberg portfolio. It combines die cutting, stripping, and blanking in a single system. Integration into automatic pallet logistics is also possible. A camshaft drive ensures the platen moves smoothly and gently right up to the highest output levels, which ensures reliably smooth sheet travel. The MasterSet optical register system aligns sheets precisely before they enter the die-cutting station. The print image and cutting die match perfectly for each and every sheet. MasterSet was developed by Heidelberg and launched by Masterworks. The fully encapsulated servomotors are well protected against paper dust, which is a big advantage.

Heidelberg has integrated the Mastermatrix 106 into its Prinect workflow, which means presettings can be transferred to the die cutter and motorized components can be adjusted and moved into position automatically.

Manual setup processes are quick and easy to perform. A quick-action clamping device significantly reduces the number of manual steps required to clamp the cutting plate in place. In the blanking station, the pneumatic MasterRake system makes it quick and

4/4

easy to release the rake rods, move them into position, and secure them again for non-stop production.

Heidelberg invests in development of new technologies for in-mould label and folding carton production

Posted in: Packaging Technology 06/28/2021 - 10:29
    WIESLOCH, Germany , June 28, 2021 (Press Release) -
  • New IML Performance Package for Speedmaster XL 106 boosts productivity by up to 15 percent
  • Speedmaster XL 106-D rotary die cutter with just one die-cutting unit makes it easier for customers to move into IML production
  • New Mastermatrix 106 CSB flat-bed die cutter now available for folding carton production

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) is expecting the global label printing market to continue growing at an annual rate of around four percent. Growth is even expected to be above average in the in-mould label segment, which has not been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These labels are typically utilized in the food and cosmetics industries, and by companies producing chemicals for household and industrial use. The benefits of the in-mould process lie in its comparatively low manufacturing costs, good temperature and moisture resistance, and resource-friendly characteristics. For example, the polypropylene used for the labels and containers is 100 percent recyclable. Cutting-edge, increasingly efficient manufacturing processes are a further growth factor on the in-mould label market. With its state-of-the-art technology, Heidelberg is playing a key role in improving the efficiency of in-mould label production and is the technology leader in this segment by some margin. The company is looking to build on this strong position and is therefore stepping up its investment in the development of new technologies for IML production.

Maximum performance with the thinnest of materials

One of the major challenges for label printers is to reliably process very thin and light films at ever higher speeds. The latest advance from Heidelberg is a new IML Performance Package for the 2020 generation Speedmaster XL 106 with fully automatic presetting of all key print job parameters. Heidelberg is unveiling the system as part of IT’S SHOWTIME! – the company’s digital customer event. Special modifications to the feeder and delivery, modified sheet transfer, and anti-static devices make it possible to reliably process delicate plastic films just 50 microns thick at speeds of up to 14,000 sheets per hour. The high-performance model for conventional offset printing is equipped with three Y units (drying units) and a delivery with only one extension module. Even with extremely thin substrates, customers benefit from reliable sheet guidance and smooth travel through the press. The dryer modules are perfectly coordinated with the sheet travel and achieve outstanding drying results at maximum speeds. Distances for paper travel in the delivery remain short and, even at high speeds, sheets are completely stable when deposited on the delivery pile. The configuration with three Y units and highly efficient round-nozzle technology increases the drying capacity by 25 percent and also saves on energy costs, because the distance between the dryer modules and the substrate can be kept to a minimum.

Prinect integrates new CutStar generation 4 into Push to Stop concept

The redesigned CutStar generation 4 is the basic prerequisite for processing thin substrates at consistently higher speeds. The sheeter is fully integrated into the Prinect workflow and the Intellistart system on the press for production based on the Push to Stop principle. The format and air values are adjusted fully automatically based on the job data. These settings can be saved and loaded with the print job for repeat orders. A further innovation is the special corona surface treatment integrated into the CutStar, which improves the wettability of plastic materials and makes them easier to print on than untreated materials. The enhanced ink adherence ensures long-lasting, consistently high quality.

Speedmaster XL 106-D with just one die-cutting unit makes it easier for customers to move into IML production

Another part of the IML Performance Package is the Speedmaster XL 106-D rotary die cutter, which now has only one die-cutting unit. Lower investment costs compared with the previous version means it is easier for print shops to move into the growing in-mould label production segment. The new die cutter requires less space and has a lower power consumption than the Speedmaster XL 106-DD. It is ideal for die-cutting large and nested label shapes.

Thanks to its rotary die-cutting principle, the Speedmaster XL 106-D operates at two or three times the speed of flat-bed die cutters. The high precision resulting from the even cylinder surface and evenly cutting die eliminates the makeready required due to differences in level when using the flat-bed process. This time-consuming step is not necessary and minimizes the setup time. The printing pressure can be adjusted in increments of just one micron on the Speedmaster XL 106-D. Corrections are possible both parallel and diagonal to the cylinder axis. This fine adjustment makes Heidelberg rotary die cutters perfect for in-mould label production on material just 50 microns thick.

The Speedmaster XL 106-D complements the existing portfolio of rotary die cutters, from the Speedmaster XL 106-DD and the option magnetic cylinder with extraction system for cutting holes.

New Mastermatrix 106 CSB high-performance die cutter for folding carton production now available

In collaboration with its partner Masterworks, Heidelberg is adding another winning solution to its postpress equipment for the equally attractive growth segment of folding carton production. The Mastermatrix 106 CSB high-performance die cutter for folding carton production was unveiled in October 2020 and series production has now started following successful field testing. A speed of 9,000 sheets per hour makes the Mastermatrix 106 the most productive die cutter in the Heidelberg portfolio. It combines die cutting, stripping, and blanking in a single system. Integration into automatic pallet logistics is also possible. A camshaft drive ensures the platen moves smoothly and gently right up to the highest output levels, which ensures reliably smooth sheet travel. The MasterSet optical register system aligns sheets precisely before they enter the die-cutting station. The print image and cutting die match perfectly for each and every sheet. MasterSet was developed by Heidelberg and launched by Masterworks. The fully encapsulated servomotors are well protected against paper dust, which is a big advantage.

Heidelberg has integrated the Mastermatrix 106 into its Prinect workflow, which means presettings can be transferred to the die cutter and motorized components can be adjusted and moved into position automatically.

Manual setup processes are quick and easy to perform. A quick-action clamping device significantly reduces the number of manual steps required to clamp the cutting plate in place. In the blanking station, the pneumatic MasterRake system makes it quick and

4/4

easy to release the rake rods, move them into position, and secure them again for non-stop production.

Read more
    HEIDELBERG, Germany , May 31, 2021 (Press Release) -
  • Print shops are positioning themselves with the Speedmaster CS 92 successfully in the Indian print market
  • Strong growth in commercial and packaging printing
  • More than 60 Speedmaster CS 92 printing units so far in India sold and installed

The Speedmaster CS 92 is popular with commercial and packaging printers in Asia and India. The sheet format, plate size and other features are the right answer to the needs of a printing market in which, print runs are smaller and job changes are becoming more frequent. Thanks to the investment in sheetfed offset technology from Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg); the print shops in new and emerging markets are increasing their productivity and reducing production costs. More customers are placing their trust in the Speedmaster CS 92 built at the Shanghai plant in China, which offers peak performance along with exceptional savings in plate consumption. The proved figures: Heidelberg India has sold and installed a total of 63 printing units of this series nationwide in recent times.

Heidelberg Speedmaster CS 92 is built on the solid sturdy Speedmaster CD 102 platform. Boosting print speeds of up to 15,000 sheets per hour, this high-end press is integrated with Heidelberg’s exclusive Prinect workflow to make operations simple and intuitive, yet highly productive.

Rahul Print o Pack: Two Speedmaster CS 92 investment in past two years

The Indian printing company Rahul Print o Pack is running successfully on two new Speedmaster CS 92 presses from Heidelberg’s Shanghai factory. The company put the first machine into operation in 2018, along with Suprasetter 106 CtP equipment.

Within fourteen months, Rahul Print o Pack had printed 64 million sheets with the Speedmaster CS 92. "This performance is well above average," confirms, Samir Patkar, President at Heidelberg India.

After two years of successful run with the first Speedmaster, Rahul Print o Pack ordered its second, identical CS 92. Both the presses are working now around the clock for seven days a week, “To our complete satisfaction”, as Rahul Soni, the company's Business Development Manager, states. “In a 12-hour shift, between 25 and 30 jobs with a total of 146,000 good sheets were produced, he states. Around 75 percent of the orders are in the run between 3,000 and 7,000 sheets.”

Rahul Soni attributes the good performance on one hand to the high level of automation and the stable production of the two Speedmaster CS 92’s. On the other hand, he can always rely on support from the Heidelberg India team. "Even during Covid-19 situation, we are receiving excellent support," he said.

Orders from the packaging segment

Rahul Print o Pack was founded in 2007 by Ajay Kumar Soni. The company initially concentrated on post-press; the print jobs went to external partners. Today, Heidelberg technology is used for production at all levels, from plate exposure to sheet-fed offset and post-press. Thanks to the investment in its sheetfed offset capacity, Rahul Print o Pack was able to secure not only commercial jobs but also packaging jobs in the folding box and corrugated board segment in the fast-growing market.

With the Speedmaster CS 92, the company is well-positioned for the competitive markets. Thanks to the gentle, contact-free sheet guide, Rahul Print o Pack can print substrates from 0.03-millimeter thin paper to 0.6-millimeter-thick cardboard on both presses.

Three successful Speedmaster CS 92 installations at Replika Press and fourth press to be installed by October 2021

Replika Press is one of the largest print service providers in India, specialized in book printing, high-end commercial print production, digital printing, and now into packaging segment as well. Operating from three units sprawling over 6,46,000 sq. ft, located at Export Promotion Industrial Park (EPIP) Kundli, Sonepat in Haryana, the company prints more than 16,000 titles per year.

At present, Replika Press processes over 20,000 tons of paper and cardboard every year. The production capacity is sufficient for 50,000 hardcover and 150,000 softcover books per day. "We are operating in an extremely competitive market," says the company's Managing Director, Bhuvnesh Seth. He added, "Against this background, the right investment in the right technology is extremely crucial for us."

The range of titles comprises everything from monochrome to multi-colour, softcover to hardcover, medical to scientific, technical to coffee table books, art books to children books, cookbooks, travel guides, dictionaries, encyclopedia’s, bibles and religious books, etc. for reputed international publishers from USA, UK, Germany, Czech Republic, France, Norway, Sweden, New Zealand, Russia, Africa, and Brazil.

Bhuvnesh Seth, said, “Today the market is challenging, we have to offer best to our customers and in such circumstance, the investment is very appropriate for us. The Heidelberg has been the obvious choice. Be it the built or the output quality of Heidelberg, we don’t see any deviations from the standard, whether the press is from China or the German plant. The sturdiness of Heidelberg’s is unmatched, and we can see it for ourselves from the merit they have earned. One more evident feature is their resale value.

Rukson Packaging: Investment at the right time

The packaging printer Rukson Packaging, based in Navi-Mumbai, has been producing on a Speedmaster CS 92-5 + L since August 2020. “The five colour Heidelberg Speedmaster with coating unit, is an ideal machine for packaging and pharmaceutical jobs,” said Gobind Panjabi, Owner of Rukson Packaging.

The Speedmaster CS 92 went into operation at the right time after the government of India ordered a nationwide lockdown due to Covid-19 in spring 2020. While the commercial printing suffered a severe slump due to the pandemic, Rukson Packaging was able to utilize the new sheetfed offset press to a large extent with packaging jobs. During the commissioning of the

Speedmaster CS 92 and production, the customer could count on the support of Heidelberg India. Their technicians were on standby around the clock.

Today, Rukson Packaging serves 80 percent of customers from the pharmaceutical industry, 15 percent from Fast Moving Consumer Goods segment and rest from the cosmetics industry. Orders in the FMCG and pharmaceuticals segment rose sharply during pandemic

Speedmaster CS 92 for the sacred scriptures of the Sikhs

Another user of the Speedmaster CS 92 technology is the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC). The religious institution, prints “Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the most important sacred scripture of the Sikh community, along with religious books, calendars and other literature with the Speedmaster CS 92 four-colour press.

The DSGMC distributes the printed literature to Gurudwaras, the place of worship for Sikhs in India and rest of the world. The new Speedmaster CS 92 investment at DSGMC has moved the conventional monochrome operations into highly automated four-color printing. “Thanks to the Speedmaster CS 92, we have achieved excellent print quality with high productivity,” said, Manjinder Singh, who chairs the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee

Heidelberg's Speedmaster CS 92 helps to grow commercial and packaging printers in India

Posted in: Packaging Technology 05/31/2021 - 07:53
    HEIDELBERG, Germany , May 31, 2021 (Press Release) -
  • Print shops are positioning themselves with the Speedmaster CS 92 successfully in the Indian print market
  • Strong growth in commercial and packaging printing
  • More than 60 Speedmaster CS 92 printing units so far in India sold and installed

The Speedmaster CS 92 is popular with commercial and packaging printers in Asia and India. The sheet format, plate size and other features are the right answer to the needs of a printing market in which, print runs are smaller and job changes are becoming more frequent. Thanks to the investment in sheetfed offset technology from Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg); the print shops in new and emerging markets are increasing their productivity and reducing production costs. More customers are placing their trust in the Speedmaster CS 92 built at the Shanghai plant in China, which offers peak performance along with exceptional savings in plate consumption. The proved figures: Heidelberg India has sold and installed a total of 63 printing units of this series nationwide in recent times.

Heidelberg Speedmaster CS 92 is built on the solid sturdy Speedmaster CD 102 platform. Boosting print speeds of up to 15,000 sheets per hour, this high-end press is integrated with Heidelberg’s exclusive Prinect workflow to make operations simple and intuitive, yet highly productive.

Rahul Print o Pack: Two Speedmaster CS 92 investment in past two years

The Indian printing company Rahul Print o Pack is running successfully on two new Speedmaster CS 92 presses from Heidelberg’s Shanghai factory. The company put the first machine into operation in 2018, along with Suprasetter 106 CtP equipment.

Within fourteen months, Rahul Print o Pack had printed 64 million sheets with the Speedmaster CS 92. "This performance is well above average," confirms, Samir Patkar, President at Heidelberg India.

After two years of successful run with the first Speedmaster, Rahul Print o Pack ordered its second, identical CS 92. Both the presses are working now around the clock for seven days a week, “To our complete satisfaction”, as Rahul Soni, the company's Business Development Manager, states. “In a 12-hour shift, between 25 and 30 jobs with a total of 146,000 good sheets were produced, he states. Around 75 percent of the orders are in the run between 3,000 and 7,000 sheets.”

Rahul Soni attributes the good performance on one hand to the high level of automation and the stable production of the two Speedmaster CS 92’s. On the other hand, he can always rely on support from the Heidelberg India team. "Even during Covid-19 situation, we are receiving excellent support," he said.

Orders from the packaging segment

Rahul Print o Pack was founded in 2007 by Ajay Kumar Soni. The company initially concentrated on post-press; the print jobs went to external partners. Today, Heidelberg technology is used for production at all levels, from plate exposure to sheet-fed offset and post-press. Thanks to the investment in its sheetfed offset capacity, Rahul Print o Pack was able to secure not only commercial jobs but also packaging jobs in the folding box and corrugated board segment in the fast-growing market.

With the Speedmaster CS 92, the company is well-positioned for the competitive markets. Thanks to the gentle, contact-free sheet guide, Rahul Print o Pack can print substrates from 0.03-millimeter thin paper to 0.6-millimeter-thick cardboard on both presses.

Three successful Speedmaster CS 92 installations at Replika Press and fourth press to be installed by October 2021

Replika Press is one of the largest print service providers in India, specialized in book printing, high-end commercial print production, digital printing, and now into packaging segment as well. Operating from three units sprawling over 6,46,000 sq. ft, located at Export Promotion Industrial Park (EPIP) Kundli, Sonepat in Haryana, the company prints more than 16,000 titles per year.

At present, Replika Press processes over 20,000 tons of paper and cardboard every year. The production capacity is sufficient for 50,000 hardcover and 150,000 softcover books per day. "We are operating in an extremely competitive market," says the company's Managing Director, Bhuvnesh Seth. He added, "Against this background, the right investment in the right technology is extremely crucial for us."

The range of titles comprises everything from monochrome to multi-colour, softcover to hardcover, medical to scientific, technical to coffee table books, art books to children books, cookbooks, travel guides, dictionaries, encyclopedia’s, bibles and religious books, etc. for reputed international publishers from USA, UK, Germany, Czech Republic, France, Norway, Sweden, New Zealand, Russia, Africa, and Brazil.

Bhuvnesh Seth, said, “Today the market is challenging, we have to offer best to our customers and in such circumstance, the investment is very appropriate for us. The Heidelberg has been the obvious choice. Be it the built or the output quality of Heidelberg, we don’t see any deviations from the standard, whether the press is from China or the German plant. The sturdiness of Heidelberg’s is unmatched, and we can see it for ourselves from the merit they have earned. One more evident feature is their resale value.

Rukson Packaging: Investment at the right time

The packaging printer Rukson Packaging, based in Navi-Mumbai, has been producing on a Speedmaster CS 92-5 + L since August 2020. “The five colour Heidelberg Speedmaster with coating unit, is an ideal machine for packaging and pharmaceutical jobs,” said Gobind Panjabi, Owner of Rukson Packaging.

The Speedmaster CS 92 went into operation at the right time after the government of India ordered a nationwide lockdown due to Covid-19 in spring 2020. While the commercial printing suffered a severe slump due to the pandemic, Rukson Packaging was able to utilize the new sheetfed offset press to a large extent with packaging jobs. During the commissioning of the

Speedmaster CS 92 and production, the customer could count on the support of Heidelberg India. Their technicians were on standby around the clock.

Today, Rukson Packaging serves 80 percent of customers from the pharmaceutical industry, 15 percent from Fast Moving Consumer Goods segment and rest from the cosmetics industry. Orders in the FMCG and pharmaceuticals segment rose sharply during pandemic

Speedmaster CS 92 for the sacred scriptures of the Sikhs

Another user of the Speedmaster CS 92 technology is the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC). The religious institution, prints “Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the most important sacred scripture of the Sikh community, along with religious books, calendars and other literature with the Speedmaster CS 92 four-colour press.

The DSGMC distributes the printed literature to Gurudwaras, the place of worship for Sikhs in India and rest of the world. The new Speedmaster CS 92 investment at DSGMC has moved the conventional monochrome operations into highly automated four-color printing. “Thanks to the Speedmaster CS 92, we have achieved excellent print quality with high productivity,” said, Manjinder Singh, who chairs the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee

Read more
    WIESLOCH, Germany , May 10, 2021 (Press Release) -
  • Performance Advisor Technology from Heidelberg automates process consulting
  • Customers benefit from specific recommendations based on trend monitoring and benchmarks
  • AI module integrated into Heidelberg Cloud
  • Heidelberg Assistant offers intuitive customer access to AI module

As in other sectors, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) will become increasingly important in the print media industry in the next few years, driving further print shop automation and firmly establishing new digital business models on the market.

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) has launched a new subscription business model that is shaping the industry. One key element of this model is process consulting, which aims to fully utilize the potential of the equipment and software solutions being used, while also improving print shop processes. The highly specialized experts Heidelberg requires to achieve this goal regularly work with customers both on site and online, but their availability is limited.

The growing demand for performance consulting services under the subscription model, and also in general, is driving the automation of the actual consulting process using AI. Heidelberg is therefore launching Performance Advisor Technology (PAT), an AI-based process consulting tool that uses an automated process to provide contract customers with specific, straightforward instructions for improving their operational procedures. This involves adding an artificial intelligence module to the Heidelberg Cloud, which contains data from over 13,000 connected machines and information relating to more than 60 million makeready processes. The module monitors series of measurements that record the current performance of Heidelberg equipment, visualizing anomalies and displaying various recommendations for customers. PAT also explains the individual KPIs to customers, which ensures a better understanding of these statistics. There are already plans to add a benchmarking function to PAT that compares Heidelberg machines with an anonymized comparative group from the Heidelberg Cloud.

Heidelberg Assistant offers intuitive customer access to AI module

Heidelberg Assistant (HDA) provides customers with intuitive access to the AI services from the Heidelberg Cloud. They are free to decide which suggestions to go along with and when. Each time they follow a suggestion, the AI module learns something new about the effectiveness of the measures and can adapt future recommendations based on this experience. A freemium version of PAT is now available to all HDA users.

“With the launch of its Performance Advisor Technology, Heidelberg is demonstrating its innovative strength when it comes to digitizing key industry processes,” says Tom Oelsner, Head of Digital Innovation in the Heidelberg Digital Unit. “The focus of our activities in this area is on improving customer performance. At the same time, the company benefits from the enhanced scalability of its new data-driven business models,” he adds.

An intuitive collaboration and communication tool such as Heidelberg Assistant, which now has over 3,100 users worldwide, is vital for the complex technology involved in AI. Along with details of KPIs and service agreements whenever required, HDA gives users a direct overview of their equipment’s availability and efficiency. It also provides access to a range of Heidelberg products and services. Customers communicate with the company online, making it quick and easy to transfer data for clarifying technical issues. For subscription customers in particular, HDA is an essential tool to continuously monitor their print shop’s performance. Integrating Performance Advisor Technology from Heidelberg into HDA is therefore a further logical step in the digitization of relationships with customers and works to their benefit by improving their overall performance.

Figure Performance Advisor Technology from Heidelberg is an AI process consulting tool that provides contract customers with specific, straightforward guidance. Heidelberg is once again underlining its position as a key innovation driver in the industry by using artificial intelligence to improve print shops’ overall performance.

Heidelberg launches new Performance Advisor Technology AI-based process consulting tool

Posted in: Mills 05/10/2021 - 08:43
    WIESLOCH, Germany , May 10, 2021 (Press Release) -
  • Performance Advisor Technology from Heidelberg automates process consulting
  • Customers benefit from specific recommendations based on trend monitoring and benchmarks
  • AI module integrated into Heidelberg Cloud
  • Heidelberg Assistant offers intuitive customer access to AI module

As in other sectors, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) will become increasingly important in the print media industry in the next few years, driving further print shop automation and firmly establishing new digital business models on the market.

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) has launched a new subscription business model that is shaping the industry. One key element of this model is process consulting, which aims to fully utilize the potential of the equipment and software solutions being used, while also improving print shop processes. The highly specialized experts Heidelberg requires to achieve this goal regularly work with customers both on site and online, but their availability is limited.

The growing demand for performance consulting services under the subscription model, and also in general, is driving the automation of the actual consulting process using AI. Heidelberg is therefore launching Performance Advisor Technology (PAT), an AI-based process consulting tool that uses an automated process to provide contract customers with specific, straightforward instructions for improving their operational procedures. This involves adding an artificial intelligence module to the Heidelberg Cloud, which contains data from over 13,000 connected machines and information relating to more than 60 million makeready processes. The module monitors series of measurements that record the current performance of Heidelberg equipment, visualizing anomalies and displaying various recommendations for customers. PAT also explains the individual KPIs to customers, which ensures a better understanding of these statistics. There are already plans to add a benchmarking function to PAT that compares Heidelberg machines with an anonymized comparative group from the Heidelberg Cloud.

Heidelberg Assistant offers intuitive customer access to AI module

Heidelberg Assistant (HDA) provides customers with intuitive access to the AI services from the Heidelberg Cloud. They are free to decide which suggestions to go along with and when. Each time they follow a suggestion, the AI module learns something new about the effectiveness of the measures and can adapt future recommendations based on this experience. A freemium version of PAT is now available to all HDA users.

“With the launch of its Performance Advisor Technology, Heidelberg is demonstrating its innovative strength when it comes to digitizing key industry processes,” says Tom Oelsner, Head of Digital Innovation in the Heidelberg Digital Unit. “The focus of our activities in this area is on improving customer performance. At the same time, the company benefits from the enhanced scalability of its new data-driven business models,” he adds.

An intuitive collaboration and communication tool such as Heidelberg Assistant, which now has over 3,100 users worldwide, is vital for the complex technology involved in AI. Along with details of KPIs and service agreements whenever required, HDA gives users a direct overview of their equipment’s availability and efficiency. It also provides access to a range of Heidelberg products and services. Customers communicate with the company online, making it quick and easy to transfer data for clarifying technical issues. For subscription customers in particular, HDA is an essential tool to continuously monitor their print shop’s performance. Integrating Performance Advisor Technology from Heidelberg into HDA is therefore a further logical step in the digitization of relationships with customers and works to their benefit by improving their overall performance.

Figure Performance Advisor Technology from Heidelberg is an AI process consulting tool that provides contract customers with specific, straightforward guidance. Heidelberg is once again underlining its position as a key innovation driver in the industry by using artificial intelligence to improve print shops’ overall performance.

Read more

KENNESAW, GA, April 5, 2021 (Press Release) -The North American division of Kumon, a structured, self-learning program with educational centers located worldwide, was in need of a better solution for printing the carefully designed worksheets that make its educational model so successful. After exhaustive exploration of many press providers, Kumon made the decision to purchase the Speedmaster XL 106-9P with Push-to-Stop technology, its first ever Heidelberg investment, along with running the new press exclusively with Heidelberg’s Saphira Consumables.

Productivity Gains, Cost Savings

Printing nearly 100 million worksheets in 2019, Kumon needed to add to its existing fleet of offset presses to keep up with the demand at its Hebron, Kentucky plant. Despite having never purchased from Heidelberg in the past, Kumon selected the Speedmaster XL 106 for several key factors that made it stand out among the competition: press speed, advanced press technology & automation, Heidelberg’s vast service network, and the quick availability of parts and consumables.

“We’re able to consistently run the press at top speeds of 18,000 sheets per hour, which is significantly faster than our other two machines. This press is far more advanced than anything we’ve run before. The consistency of it is outstanding, especially since we typically run thinner, uncoated stocks,” said Tom Mock, Operations Manager for Kumon.

In addition to faster speeds, Mock credits the advanced Push-to-Stop technology on the machine for increasing the overall throughput and productivity of the plant. With AutoPlate Pro, a fully automatic plate change system, and program-controlled blanket wash-up devices for the blanket and impression cylinders, makeready times in between jobs have been cut in half versus its previous press. Due to the drastic productivity improvements, Mock says that Kumon has moved nearly 40% of the plant’s total print volume off its other two presses and onto the XL 106. These productivity gains have enabled Kumon to cut its production from a three-shift model to a two-shift model, which has resulted in plantwide cost savings. Additionally, Kumon is saving about 15% on converting costs from its paper vendors thanks to the addition of CutStar, Heidelberg’s inline roll-to-sheet device.

The Right Decision for Kumon

To achieve such drastic productivity improvements, Kumon needed to be able to continuously run the press at top speeds. Exclusively using Heidelberg Saphira Consumables, which includes everything from ink to blankets to plates and fountain solution, ensures the reliability and quality that Kumon requires from a high output press. In addition to the quality of the products, Mock is very pleased with being able to order his press supplies and wear-and-tear parts online from Heidelberg’s eShop. “It’s so convenient and easy plus most of the products arrive within a day. It’s great,” said Mock. While currently only running Saphira products on its XL 106, Kumon does intend to start testing the products on its other two presses as well.

For Kumon, the Heidelberg “experience” does not end with the press and its supplies. Mock cites the installation and training from Heidelberg’s experienced team of SystemService representatives as “second to none.” Despite the large technology leap from their current presses to the new XL 106, the press operators at Kumon were able to quickly learn the new technology and are excited about running the press. According to Mock, “During our press search, we knew that Heidelberg would be the right fit for us. Now having experience with the product and the service, we know we made the right decision.”

About Kumon North America

Kumon started in 1954 Japan when Toru Kumon helped his young son learn calculus by sixth grade. Through his unique teaching method of short, incremental assignments, other parents took notice and began teaching Kumon’s unique step-by-step learning method. Instead of taking notes, memorizing facts, and being fed information from teachers or a tutor, children actively develop critical, self-learning skills through carefully designed worksheets. In 1974, the first Kumon Math Center opened in the United States. Today, Kumon has established itself as a provider of quality education for millions of local children through local instructors in over 50 countries around the world.

Heidelberg to supply its new Speedmaster XL 106 and full suite of Saphira Consumables to US-based Kumon's plant in Hebron, KY

Posted in: Mills 04/05/2021 - 13:11

KENNESAW, GA, April 5, 2021 (Press Release) -The North American division of Kumon, a structured, self-learning program with educational centers located worldwide, was in need of a better solution for printing the carefully designed worksheets that make its educational model so successful. After exhaustive exploration of many press providers, Kumon made the decision to purchase the Speedmaster XL 106-9P with Push-to-Stop technology, its first ever Heidelberg investment, along with running the new press exclusively with Heidelberg’s Saphira Consumables.

Productivity Gains, Cost Savings

Printing nearly 100 million worksheets in 2019, Kumon needed to add to its existing fleet of offset presses to keep up with the demand at its Hebron, Kentucky plant. Despite having never purchased from Heidelberg in the past, Kumon selected the Speedmaster XL 106 for several key factors that made it stand out among the competition: press speed, advanced press technology & automation, Heidelberg’s vast service network, and the quick availability of parts and consumables.

“We’re able to consistently run the press at top speeds of 18,000 sheets per hour, which is significantly faster than our other two machines. This press is far more advanced than anything we’ve run before. The consistency of it is outstanding, especially since we typically run thinner, uncoated stocks,” said Tom Mock, Operations Manager for Kumon.

In addition to faster speeds, Mock credits the advanced Push-to-Stop technology on the machine for increasing the overall throughput and productivity of the plant. With AutoPlate Pro, a fully automatic plate change system, and program-controlled blanket wash-up devices for the blanket and impression cylinders, makeready times in between jobs have been cut in half versus its previous press. Due to the drastic productivity improvements, Mock says that Kumon has moved nearly 40% of the plant’s total print volume off its other two presses and onto the XL 106. These productivity gains have enabled Kumon to cut its production from a three-shift model to a two-shift model, which has resulted in plantwide cost savings. Additionally, Kumon is saving about 15% on converting costs from its paper vendors thanks to the addition of CutStar, Heidelberg’s inline roll-to-sheet device.

The Right Decision for Kumon

To achieve such drastic productivity improvements, Kumon needed to be able to continuously run the press at top speeds. Exclusively using Heidelberg Saphira Consumables, which includes everything from ink to blankets to plates and fountain solution, ensures the reliability and quality that Kumon requires from a high output press. In addition to the quality of the products, Mock is very pleased with being able to order his press supplies and wear-and-tear parts online from Heidelberg’s eShop. “It’s so convenient and easy plus most of the products arrive within a day. It’s great,” said Mock. While currently only running Saphira products on its XL 106, Kumon does intend to start testing the products on its other two presses as well.

For Kumon, the Heidelberg “experience” does not end with the press and its supplies. Mock cites the installation and training from Heidelberg’s experienced team of SystemService representatives as “second to none.” Despite the large technology leap from their current presses to the new XL 106, the press operators at Kumon were able to quickly learn the new technology and are excited about running the press. According to Mock, “During our press search, we knew that Heidelberg would be the right fit for us. Now having experience with the product and the service, we know we made the right decision.”

About Kumon North America

Kumon started in 1954 Japan when Toru Kumon helped his young son learn calculus by sixth grade. Through his unique teaching method of short, incremental assignments, other parents took notice and began teaching Kumon’s unique step-by-step learning method. Instead of taking notes, memorizing facts, and being fed information from teachers or a tutor, children actively develop critical, self-learning skills through carefully designed worksheets. In 1974, the first Kumon Math Center opened in the United States. Today, Kumon has established itself as a provider of quality education for millions of local children through local instructors in over 50 countries around the world.

Read more
    HEIDELBERG, Germany , March 17, 2021 (Press Release) -
  • Digitized procurement of consumables and paper at the latest prices
  • For the first time, print shops can access the portfolios of participating suppliers directly from their MIS
  • Zaikio Procurement free of charge to print shops
  • Heidelberg reaches a further milestone on its way to becoming a platform provider

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) is offering all print shops free access to the Zaikio Procurement industry platform with immediate effect – a further milestone on its way to becoming the printing industry’s leading platform provider. Zaikio networks print shops’ IT systems with those of their suppliers, which enables print service providers to establish an automatic link with these suppliers. Following a successful test phase with selected print shops and suppliers, all print service providers who wish to do so can now register on the Zaikio platform free of charge. They will then have direct, automatic access from their management information system (MIS) to the portfolios of the suppliers already linked to Zaikio and can place orders at the latest prices with just a few clicks. Following approval by procurement staff, the orders are transferred directly into the relevant supplier’s ERP system, which reciprocates by providing the print shop’s ordering system with information about availability and delivery options. This process lays the foundation for fully automatic orders based on various factors – from the current paper or ink consumption to stock levels. It also optimizes the digital procurement processes of print shops and suppliers alike.

“With Zaikio, Heidelberg is gradually establishing an industry platform that is open to all companies, digitizes and automates numerous value-adding processes between participants, and makes these operations transparent,” explains Heidelberg CEO Rainer Hundsdörfer. “By making overall processes and collaboration in the printing industry far simpler, Zaikio is boosting the competitiveness of everyone involved,” he adds.

Zaikio networks big-name MIS providers with established suppliers

Prior to the launch of the Zaikio Procurement platform, Zaikio already had some well-known MIS providers on board. Alongside Heidelberg with its Prinect Business Manager, the other participating MIS providers are Printplus, Printvis, Datamedia, Utraxx, Keyline, and EPMS – and Zaikio is currently in talks with many others. In the future, this means print shops will be able to access the ranges of suppliers such as Sappi or Metapaper and place orders directly from their MIS, once it has been networked with Zaikio.

Zaikio Procurement costs print shops absolutely nothing. Zaikio’s business model is based on its relationship with the supplier – the print shop has no monetary involvement whatsoever. Activating Zaikio Procurement in a print shop’s MIS is quick and easy, too.

“There are solutions on the market that already promise orders can be placed directly from an MIS. On closer inspection, however, it often turns out that all these solutions are doing is sending e-mails to the suppliers,” says Matthias Prinz, Managing Director and Head of User Experience at Zaikio GmbH. “With Zaikio, print service providers can now access the portfolios of a growing number of suppliers direct from their MIS in an automated process, which means they benefit from maximum transparency and needs-based supplies. It goes without saying that this also works to the advantage of MIS providers and suppliers, who can massively improve their level of service,” he explains.

Zaikio Procurement is just the first step

Zaikio’s vision is to network all relevant printing industry systems to enable quick and easy data communication. Using Zaikio Procurement to digitize the procurement process between print shops and their suppliers was just the first step. In the foreseeable future, Zaikio will be using Web2Print solutions, workflow tools, and the further involvement of partners to fully digitize and link other key processes between printing industry players.

About Zaikio

Around a year after the takeover of cloud software business Crispy Mountain by Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, the company launched Zaikio – a new open and independent cloud-based collaboration platform for the printing industry – in the summer of 2020. Zaikio unites all industry players on a single platform. The free Zaikio Account enables each and every user to log into all connected software systems with a single login. The aim is straightforward, standardized data exchange between software, hardware, and the partners involved on the basis of end-to-end automated process chains. So far, over 1,300 people have registered on the platform and set up their own personal Zaikio Account.

Heidelberg offers all print shops free access to Zaikio Procurement industry platform with immediate effect

Posted in: Mills 03/17/2021 - 13:10
    HEIDELBERG, Germany , March 17, 2021 (Press Release) -
  • Digitized procurement of consumables and paper at the latest prices
  • For the first time, print shops can access the portfolios of participating suppliers directly from their MIS
  • Zaikio Procurement free of charge to print shops
  • Heidelberg reaches a further milestone on its way to becoming a platform provider

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) is offering all print shops free access to the Zaikio Procurement industry platform with immediate effect – a further milestone on its way to becoming the printing industry’s leading platform provider. Zaikio networks print shops’ IT systems with those of their suppliers, which enables print service providers to establish an automatic link with these suppliers. Following a successful test phase with selected print shops and suppliers, all print service providers who wish to do so can now register on the Zaikio platform free of charge. They will then have direct, automatic access from their management information system (MIS) to the portfolios of the suppliers already linked to Zaikio and can place orders at the latest prices with just a few clicks. Following approval by procurement staff, the orders are transferred directly into the relevant supplier’s ERP system, which reciprocates by providing the print shop’s ordering system with information about availability and delivery options. This process lays the foundation for fully automatic orders based on various factors – from the current paper or ink consumption to stock levels. It also optimizes the digital procurement processes of print shops and suppliers alike.

“With Zaikio, Heidelberg is gradually establishing an industry platform that is open to all companies, digitizes and automates numerous value-adding processes between participants, and makes these operations transparent,” explains Heidelberg CEO Rainer Hundsdörfer. “By making overall processes and collaboration in the printing industry far simpler, Zaikio is boosting the competitiveness of everyone involved,” he adds.

Zaikio networks big-name MIS providers with established suppliers

Prior to the launch of the Zaikio Procurement platform, Zaikio already had some well-known MIS providers on board. Alongside Heidelberg with its Prinect Business Manager, the other participating MIS providers are Printplus, Printvis, Datamedia, Utraxx, Keyline, and EPMS – and Zaikio is currently in talks with many others. In the future, this means print shops will be able to access the ranges of suppliers such as Sappi or Metapaper and place orders directly from their MIS, once it has been networked with Zaikio.

Zaikio Procurement costs print shops absolutely nothing. Zaikio’s business model is based on its relationship with the supplier – the print shop has no monetary involvement whatsoever. Activating Zaikio Procurement in a print shop’s MIS is quick and easy, too.

“There are solutions on the market that already promise orders can be placed directly from an MIS. On closer inspection, however, it often turns out that all these solutions are doing is sending e-mails to the suppliers,” says Matthias Prinz, Managing Director and Head of User Experience at Zaikio GmbH. “With Zaikio, print service providers can now access the portfolios of a growing number of suppliers direct from their MIS in an automated process, which means they benefit from maximum transparency and needs-based supplies. It goes without saying that this also works to the advantage of MIS providers and suppliers, who can massively improve their level of service,” he explains.

Zaikio Procurement is just the first step

Zaikio’s vision is to network all relevant printing industry systems to enable quick and easy data communication. Using Zaikio Procurement to digitize the procurement process between print shops and their suppliers was just the first step. In the foreseeable future, Zaikio will be using Web2Print solutions, workflow tools, and the further involvement of partners to fully digitize and link other key processes between printing industry players.

About Zaikio

Around a year after the takeover of cloud software business Crispy Mountain by Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, the company launched Zaikio – a new open and independent cloud-based collaboration platform for the printing industry – in the summer of 2020. Zaikio unites all industry players on a single platform. The free Zaikio Account enables each and every user to log into all connected software systems with a single login. The aim is straightforward, standardized data exchange between software, hardware, and the partners involved on the basis of end-to-end automated process chains. So far, over 1,300 people have registered on the platform and set up their own personal Zaikio Account.

Read more
    HEIDELBERG, Germany , March 1, 2021 (Press Release) -
  • New Saphira Eco portfolio focuses on environmental friendliness, cost-efficiency, and productivity
  • Driving down costs with an eco-friendly printing process
  • Helping print shops with sustainability

In a recent study on life in Germany in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, 75 percent of the people who were surveyed said that sustainability was the key to health and security. Two thirds claimed that, in the future, they would choose suppliers who treat solidarity, social commitment, and sustainability as priorities. Based on these findings, it can be assumed that print products will also enjoy greater acceptance if they are clearly identifiable as products that have been created on a sustainable basis. Furthermore, a growing number of print buyers are demanding that print service providers supply evidence of sustainability. For approximately ten years, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) has been supplying the Saphira Eco product line to help with precisely this issue. The comprehensive range of especially environmentally friendly consumables includes chemical-free and processless printing plates, coatings, inks made from renewable raw materials, and chemicals that generate less waste. These materials enable users to achieve dependable, environmentally friendly print production that satisfies the highest quality standards. The Saphira Eco range is subject to the strictest criteria in the print media industry for demonstrating the environmental compatibility of consumables.

New Saphira Eco portfolio focuses on environmental friendliness, cost-efficiency, and productivity

By realigning its portfolio around environmentally friendly Saphira Eco consumables, Heidelberg is making it easier for customers to pursue environmentally compatible production in line with their specific requirements. Additional focal points besides environmental concerns include the cost-effectiveness and productivity of the production process. For example, the environmentally friendly Saphira Eco inks are in the same price bracket as conventional standard inks but don’t require any additional outlay in terms of setup and achieve the same productivity standards.

“By using Saphira Eco products, print shops can organize their production operations on a much more environmentally friendly and sustainable basis,” explains Hans Huyghe, head of Product Management Consumables at Heidelberg. “Moreover, there is still far too little awareness that environmentally friendly consumables can help reduce costs by delivering a lower total cost of ownership – without compromising on productivity and quality. Heidelberg also assists all customers who are interested in switching to environmentally friendly print production.”

Processless and chemical-free printing plates for an environmentally friendly and stable production process

When using processless printing plates from the Saphira Eco portfolio, there is no need for a development process, which means plates can be used on the press immediately after imaging. In the case of chemical-free printing plates, the environmentally friendly clean-out solution takes the place of conventional developers and replenishers. Users benefit from savings in the form of reduced space requirements, chemical usage, disposal costs, and power and water consumption. When used with other approved consumables from Heidelberg, the company’s chemical-free or processless printing plates deliver a stable production process and sustained high productivity.

Saphira Eco coatings for virtually all application areas

Thanks to their excellent environmental friendliness, the coatings in the Saphira Eco portfolio are suitable for virtually all standard application areas. The portfolio includes, for example, Teflon-free and low-ammonia or ammonia-free coatings. This means Heidelberg can supply coatings that do not require any hazard labeling. By harnessing the consulting expertise that Heidelberg offers, print shops can find the ideal combination of coating and screen roller to reduce their coating consumption. For example, a specific screen will enable lower coating usage without impacting gloss levels, while combining this screen with a suitable coating plate will also help reduce cleaning intervals.

Environmentally friendly print production with Saphira Eco chemicals

Heidelberg offers a wide range of chemicals for especially environmentally friendly print production. For instance, the Saphira Eco portfolio includes VOC-free wash solutions. Combining the right wash program with the right wash solution helps to shorten the whole washing process while ensuring the results are always good. This means less wash solution is used, which generates less waste and results in lower waste costs.

In addition, Heidelberg offers environmentally friendly dampening solutions that don’t need to be changed in the dampening solution circuit as often and facilitate IPA-free or at least reduced-IPA printing – all without impacting productivity while also reducing paper waste. Heidelberg helps users make the switch to IPA-free print production.

Saphira Eco products assist with certification for sustainable print production

Using environmentally compatible consumables from the Saphira Eco portfolio makes it easier for print shops worldwide to obtain certification for sustainable print production in line with the applicable environmental standards. Depending on the type of certificate, Heidelberg helps its customers choose the best consumables to satisfy the certificate requirements.

Heidelberg introduces its new Saphira Eco environmentally friendly consumables for print production

Posted in: Environment 03/01/2021 - 11:30
    HEIDELBERG, Germany , March 1, 2021 (Press Release) -
  • New Saphira Eco portfolio focuses on environmental friendliness, cost-efficiency, and productivity
  • Driving down costs with an eco-friendly printing process
  • Helping print shops with sustainability

In a recent study on life in Germany in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, 75 percent of the people who were surveyed said that sustainability was the key to health and security. Two thirds claimed that, in the future, they would choose suppliers who treat solidarity, social commitment, and sustainability as priorities. Based on these findings, it can be assumed that print products will also enjoy greater acceptance if they are clearly identifiable as products that have been created on a sustainable basis. Furthermore, a growing number of print buyers are demanding that print service providers supply evidence of sustainability. For approximately ten years, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) has been supplying the Saphira Eco product line to help with precisely this issue. The comprehensive range of especially environmentally friendly consumables includes chemical-free and processless printing plates, coatings, inks made from renewable raw materials, and chemicals that generate less waste. These materials enable users to achieve dependable, environmentally friendly print production that satisfies the highest quality standards. The Saphira Eco range is subject to the strictest criteria in the print media industry for demonstrating the environmental compatibility of consumables.

New Saphira Eco portfolio focuses on environmental friendliness, cost-efficiency, and productivity

By realigning its portfolio around environmentally friendly Saphira Eco consumables, Heidelberg is making it easier for customers to pursue environmentally compatible production in line with their specific requirements. Additional focal points besides environmental concerns include the cost-effectiveness and productivity of the production process. For example, the environmentally friendly Saphira Eco inks are in the same price bracket as conventional standard inks but don’t require any additional outlay in terms of setup and achieve the same productivity standards.

“By using Saphira Eco products, print shops can organize their production operations on a much more environmentally friendly and sustainable basis,” explains Hans Huyghe, head of Product Management Consumables at Heidelberg. “Moreover, there is still far too little awareness that environmentally friendly consumables can help reduce costs by delivering a lower total cost of ownership – without compromising on productivity and quality. Heidelberg also assists all customers who are interested in switching to environmentally friendly print production.”

Processless and chemical-free printing plates for an environmentally friendly and stable production process

When using processless printing plates from the Saphira Eco portfolio, there is no need for a development process, which means plates can be used on the press immediately after imaging. In the case of chemical-free printing plates, the environmentally friendly clean-out solution takes the place of conventional developers and replenishers. Users benefit from savings in the form of reduced space requirements, chemical usage, disposal costs, and power and water consumption. When used with other approved consumables from Heidelberg, the company’s chemical-free or processless printing plates deliver a stable production process and sustained high productivity.

Saphira Eco coatings for virtually all application areas

Thanks to their excellent environmental friendliness, the coatings in the Saphira Eco portfolio are suitable for virtually all standard application areas. The portfolio includes, for example, Teflon-free and low-ammonia or ammonia-free coatings. This means Heidelberg can supply coatings that do not require any hazard labeling. By harnessing the consulting expertise that Heidelberg offers, print shops can find the ideal combination of coating and screen roller to reduce their coating consumption. For example, a specific screen will enable lower coating usage without impacting gloss levels, while combining this screen with a suitable coating plate will also help reduce cleaning intervals.

Environmentally friendly print production with Saphira Eco chemicals

Heidelberg offers a wide range of chemicals for especially environmentally friendly print production. For instance, the Saphira Eco portfolio includes VOC-free wash solutions. Combining the right wash program with the right wash solution helps to shorten the whole washing process while ensuring the results are always good. This means less wash solution is used, which generates less waste and results in lower waste costs.

In addition, Heidelberg offers environmentally friendly dampening solutions that don’t need to be changed in the dampening solution circuit as often and facilitate IPA-free or at least reduced-IPA printing – all without impacting productivity while also reducing paper waste. Heidelberg helps users make the switch to IPA-free print production.

Saphira Eco products assist with certification for sustainable print production

Using environmentally compatible consumables from the Saphira Eco portfolio makes it easier for print shops worldwide to obtain certification for sustainable print production in line with the applicable environmental standards. Depending on the type of certificate, Heidelberg helps its customers choose the best consumables to satisfy the certificate requirements.

Read more
    HEIDELBERG, Germany , March 1, 2021 (Press Release) -
  • New Saphira Eco portfolio focuses on environmental friendliness, cost-efficiency, and productivity
  • Driving down costs with an eco-friendly printing process
  • Helping print shops with sustainability

In a recent study on life in Germany in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, 75 percent of the people who were surveyed said that sustainability was the key to health and security. Two thirds claimed that, in the future, they would choose suppliers who treat solidarity, social commitment, and sustainability as priorities. Based on these findings, it can be assumed that print products will also enjoy greater acceptance if they are clearly identifiable as products that have been created on a sustainable basis. Furthermore, a growing number of print buyers are demanding that print service providers supply evidence of sustainability. For approximately ten years, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) has been supplying the Saphira Eco product line to help with precisely this issue. The comprehensive range of especially environmentally friendly consumables includes chemical-free and processless printing plates, coatings, inks made from renewable raw materials, and chemicals that generate less waste. These materials enable users to achieve dependable, environmentally friendly print production that satisfies the highest quality standards. The Saphira Eco range is subject to the strictest criteria in the print media industry for demonstrating the environmental compatibility of consumables.

New Saphira Eco portfolio focuses on environmental friendliness, cost-efficiency, and productivity

By realigning its portfolio around environmentally friendly Saphira Eco consumables, Heidelberg is making it easier for customers to pursue environmentally compatible production in line with their specific requirements. Additional focal points besides environmental concerns include the cost-effectiveness and productivity of the production process. For example, the environmentally friendly Saphira Eco inks are in the same price bracket as conventional standard inks but don’t require any additional outlay in terms of setup and achieve the same productivity standards.

“By using Saphira Eco products, print shops can organize their production operations on a much more environmentally friendly and sustainable basis,” explains Hans Huyghe, head of Product Management Consumables at Heidelberg. “Moreover, there is still far too little awareness that environmentally friendly consumables can help reduce costs by delivering a lower total cost of ownership – without compromising on productivity and quality. Heidelberg also assists all customers who are interested in switching to environmentally friendly print production.”

Processless and chemical-free printing plates for an environmentally friendly and stable production process

When using processless printing plates from the Saphira Eco portfolio, there is no need for a development process, which means plates can be used on the press immediately after imaging. In the case of chemical-free printing plates, the environmentally friendly clean-out solution takes the place of conventional developers and replenishers. Users benefit from savings in the form of reduced space requirements, chemical usage, disposal costs, and power and water consumption. When used with other approved consumables from Heidelberg, the company’s chemical-free or processless printing plates deliver a stable production process and sustained high productivity.

Saphira Eco coatings for virtually all application areas

Thanks to their excellent environmental friendliness, the coatings in the Saphira Eco portfolio are suitable for virtually all standard application areas. The portfolio includes, for example, Teflon-free and low-ammonia or ammonia-free coatings. This means Heidelberg can supply coatings that do not require any hazard labeling. By harnessing the consulting expertise that Heidelberg offers, print shops can find the ideal combination of coating and screen roller to reduce their coating consumption. For example, a specific screen will enable lower coating usage without impacting gloss levels, while combining this screen with a suitable coating plate will also help reduce cleaning intervals.

Environmentally friendly print production with Saphira Eco chemicals

Heidelberg offers a wide range of chemicals for especially environmentally friendly print production. For instance, the Saphira Eco portfolio includes VOC-free wash solutions. Combining the right wash program with the right wash solution helps to shorten the whole washing process while ensuring the results are always good. This means less wash solution is used, which generates less waste and results in lower waste costs.

In addition, Heidelberg offers environmentally friendly dampening solutions that don’t need to be changed in the dampening solution circuit as often and facilitate IPA-free or at least reduced-IPA printing – all without impacting productivity while also reducing paper waste. Heidelberg helps users make the switch to IPA-free print production.

Saphira Eco products assist with certification for sustainable print production

Using environmentally compatible consumables from the Saphira Eco portfolio makes it easier for print shops worldwide to obtain certification for sustainable print production in line with the applicable environmental standards. Depending on the type of certificate, Heidelberg helps its customers choose the best consumables to satisfy the certificate requirements.

Heidelberg introduces its new Saphira Eco environmentally friendly consumables for print production

Posted in: Chemicals 03/01/2021 - 11:30
    HEIDELBERG, Germany , March 1, 2021 (Press Release) -
  • New Saphira Eco portfolio focuses on environmental friendliness, cost-efficiency, and productivity
  • Driving down costs with an eco-friendly printing process
  • Helping print shops with sustainability

In a recent study on life in Germany in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, 75 percent of the people who were surveyed said that sustainability was the key to health and security. Two thirds claimed that, in the future, they would choose suppliers who treat solidarity, social commitment, and sustainability as priorities. Based on these findings, it can be assumed that print products will also enjoy greater acceptance if they are clearly identifiable as products that have been created on a sustainable basis. Furthermore, a growing number of print buyers are demanding that print service providers supply evidence of sustainability. For approximately ten years, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) has been supplying the Saphira Eco product line to help with precisely this issue. The comprehensive range of especially environmentally friendly consumables includes chemical-free and processless printing plates, coatings, inks made from renewable raw materials, and chemicals that generate less waste. These materials enable users to achieve dependable, environmentally friendly print production that satisfies the highest quality standards. The Saphira Eco range is subject to the strictest criteria in the print media industry for demonstrating the environmental compatibility of consumables.

New Saphira Eco portfolio focuses on environmental friendliness, cost-efficiency, and productivity

By realigning its portfolio around environmentally friendly Saphira Eco consumables, Heidelberg is making it easier for customers to pursue environmentally compatible production in line with their specific requirements. Additional focal points besides environmental concerns include the cost-effectiveness and productivity of the production process. For example, the environmentally friendly Saphira Eco inks are in the same price bracket as conventional standard inks but don’t require any additional outlay in terms of setup and achieve the same productivity standards.

“By using Saphira Eco products, print shops can organize their production operations on a much more environmentally friendly and sustainable basis,” explains Hans Huyghe, head of Product Management Consumables at Heidelberg. “Moreover, there is still far too little awareness that environmentally friendly consumables can help reduce costs by delivering a lower total cost of ownership – without compromising on productivity and quality. Heidelberg also assists all customers who are interested in switching to environmentally friendly print production.”

Processless and chemical-free printing plates for an environmentally friendly and stable production process

When using processless printing plates from the Saphira Eco portfolio, there is no need for a development process, which means plates can be used on the press immediately after imaging. In the case of chemical-free printing plates, the environmentally friendly clean-out solution takes the place of conventional developers and replenishers. Users benefit from savings in the form of reduced space requirements, chemical usage, disposal costs, and power and water consumption. When used with other approved consumables from Heidelberg, the company’s chemical-free or processless printing plates deliver a stable production process and sustained high productivity.

Saphira Eco coatings for virtually all application areas

Thanks to their excellent environmental friendliness, the coatings in the Saphira Eco portfolio are suitable for virtually all standard application areas. The portfolio includes, for example, Teflon-free and low-ammonia or ammonia-free coatings. This means Heidelberg can supply coatings that do not require any hazard labeling. By harnessing the consulting expertise that Heidelberg offers, print shops can find the ideal combination of coating and screen roller to reduce their coating consumption. For example, a specific screen will enable lower coating usage without impacting gloss levels, while combining this screen with a suitable coating plate will also help reduce cleaning intervals.

Environmentally friendly print production with Saphira Eco chemicals

Heidelberg offers a wide range of chemicals for especially environmentally friendly print production. For instance, the Saphira Eco portfolio includes VOC-free wash solutions. Combining the right wash program with the right wash solution helps to shorten the whole washing process while ensuring the results are always good. This means less wash solution is used, which generates less waste and results in lower waste costs.

In addition, Heidelberg offers environmentally friendly dampening solutions that don’t need to be changed in the dampening solution circuit as often and facilitate IPA-free or at least reduced-IPA printing – all without impacting productivity while also reducing paper waste. Heidelberg helps users make the switch to IPA-free print production.

Saphira Eco products assist with certification for sustainable print production

Using environmentally compatible consumables from the Saphira Eco portfolio makes it easier for print shops worldwide to obtain certification for sustainable print production in line with the applicable environmental standards. Depending on the type of certificate, Heidelberg helps its customers choose the best consumables to satisfy the certificate requirements.

Read more

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